Pocket sheet with windowed flap and method of manufacture

ABSTRACT

A pocketed sheet, method of making, and article-holding pocket well suited for disk media storage. The pocketed sheet has binder ring holes for use with a ring binder, includes a base layer and first outer layer bonded thereto via at least one mechanically entangling seam that also integrally defines at least a portion of the pocket. A pocket cover flap integrally formed from the outer layer has a window to view a disk in the pocket. A preferred sheet includes another outer layer bonded to the base in like manner defining at least part of a view sleeve configured to present related printed matter, preferably the disk insert. One preferred pocketed sheet has a plurality of pockets on one side and a sleeve for each pocket on the other side. Such an arrangement provides an efficient, accurate and time-saving media storage system and method.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No. 60/808,403, filed May 25, 2006, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to sheets configured with one or more article holding pockets, and more specifically to such a sheet having a pocket construction that includes a pocket flap equipped with article viewing window well suited for holding flat storage media, including flat disk-type media, such as CDs or DVDs, and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the advent of compact disk technology, many types of information can now be digitized and stored in large amounts on flat media, e.g., compact disks, including sound and video data, allowing flat media compact disks to store large amounts of audio and video information. This ability to store large amounts of information enables compact disks to be readily utilized for storing and playing music and movies with a very high quality for the audio and video playback from the disks.

However, while the compact disks are capable of storing large amounts of audio and video information, in order for the information to be easily and accurately read by a play-back device such as a CD or DVD player, the disk must be protected when not in use. Any damage done to the portion of the disk on which the digital information has been recorded, such as by scratching the disk, will degrade the quality of the playback and can completely prevent the playback of the information on the disk if the damage is severe enough. Therefore, in order to provide adequate protection for compact disks, a number of different types of storage and protection devices have been developed.

One of the more prevalent types of protection devices for compact disks is the jewel case. Typical jewel cases include a housing having side walls between which a circular central recess is located in which the disk can be positioned and secured utilizing an engaging mechanism disposed in the center of the recess. A cover is pivotally connected at one end to the side walls of the housing and can be releasably engaged with the housing at the other end. This enables the cover to selectively expose the housing and the recess such that the disk can either be positioned within or removed from the housing, as desired. Further, the cover includes a number of inwardly extending tabs disposed on an interior side of the cover which can be utilized to hold a cover page or other identifying material for the disk contained within the jewel case. This material can be easily viewed through the cover, which is normally formed of a transparent material, such that the content of the disk can be determined without having to open the case and view or play the disk directly.

While the jewel case is highly effective in protecting a disk contained therein due to the enclosed housing it provides, the overall structure of the jewel case is bulky, such that a mall number of jewel cases can easily take up a large amount of space. Therefore, it was desirable to develop a storage device for compact disks which could protect a much larger number of compact disks in a much smaller space.

As a result of this, a number of relatively similar compact disk cases have been developed in which the case includes a protective cover having a front and back panel pivotally joined at one end to spine, similar to a book cover. The panels are releasably connectable to one another by a closure positioned on one or more of the three non-secured sides of each panel, the closure being a strap, snap, zipper, or any similar closure. Within the case between the panels, a number of disk holder sheets are disposed which include pockets shaped to receive and retain a compact disk therein. The number of pockets disposed on a sheet can vary depending upon the size of the panels forming the case, and can range from one pocket disposed on one side of the sheet to four pockets disposed on each side of each sheet. Thus, when the disks are inserted into the pockets on their respective sheets, the front and rear panels can be secured to one another to completely enclose the sheets and the compact disks contained thereon to provide adequate protection to the disks. The sheets also normally include a number of holes along one side of the sheet that are releasably engageable with a corresponding number of locking rings on the spine between the panels, similar to a ringed binder. With this type of engagement between the sheets and the case, the sheets can be turned like pages in a book and the sheets or disks can be removed from the case as desired.

However, in an effort to maximize the number of the disks to be stored within enclosures of this type, the ability to include the identifying material illustrating the subject matter contained on a particular disk was omitted. Thus, for various compact disks which do not have readily identifiable titles or other identifying material printed directly on the disk, it is often the case where the disk must be removed and inserted into CD or DVD playback machine in order to determine what material is contained on the selected disk

Therefore, it is desirable to develop a storage device for flat articles, including relatively thin, flat, and disk-shaped storage media, which provides a highly efficient and economical space-saving arrangement for the storage of one or more such articles within a relatively small space. It is also desirable to do so in a manner that enables part of the article to be viewed, such as for quick and easy identification of the pocket-stowed article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a pocketed sheet and pocket construction that is particularly well suited for being integrally formed of a sheet or page that preferably is of two hole or three hole punched ring binder usable construction. The pocket is formed of part of the sheet, preferably integrally formed from part of at least one sheet layer, and includes a flap of tear away construction that also includes a window through which part of an article in the pocket can be viewed. Such a sheet preferably is constructed and arranged with a plurality of such pockets and preferably also includes a view sleeve, e.g. another pocket, that holds and visibly presents printed matter, such as the printed insert descriptive of a CD or DVD stowed in a corresponding pocket of the same sheet.

According to one aspect of the invention, one or more such pocket sheets or pages are adapted for use in an article holding arrangement. One preferred article holding arrangement is a binder or the like that is equipped with a plurality of page-holding reclosable binder rings. In one preferred embodiment, the binder has three binder rings and is configured as a case.

The article holding arrangement has at least one pocket-equipped page or sheet. A pocket having a windowed flap constructed in accordance with the invention is disposed on at least one side of the page or sheet. In one preferred embodiment, a sheet equipped with a pocket constructed in accordance with the invention also has a panel of transparent construction configured for accepted printed matter, such as printed matter descriptive of an article being retained in the pocket. If desired, the page or sheet can be configured with a plurality of such pockets. For example, the page or sheet can be configured with a plurality of pockets on one side as well as one or more pockets on both sides, if desired.

The disk pocket is formed from a pair of overlying panels of the page or sheet, with at least the outermost panel preferably being composed of a layer of flexible material, e.g. fabric or fibrous material. The pocket is formed by staking one panel to the other panel about its periphery, such as through the application of a bond seam that preferably is of mechanical construction. If desired, pressure, heat, and adhesive can also be employed to supplement. The pocket cover flap is formed via perforations extending about its periphery with the exception of a hinge region of the flap that remains attached to the rest of the pocket. An aperture for a window is provided in the flap by removal of a section of the flap that interiorly bounds its outer periphery. A window of transparent material is attached to the flap such as by staking or the like.

In at least one preferred embodiment, the outer pocket-forming panel (but not the inner panel) of the sheet or page is perforated along at least two and preferably three sides of the flap in a manner that enables the flap not only to remain an integral part of the outer panel but which also produces a flap of convenient tear away construction. Such tear away construction enables even an end user to easily and quickly separate the flap from the rest of the pocket by simply grasping and quickly tearing the flap free of the rest of the pocket about or along its perforations with a minimum of effort and skill.

Perforation of the flap preferably is accomplished using a perforator such as a die, a punch, a cutter or the like. For example, such perforations can be carried out using a cutter that is a die cutter or perforator, a laser cutter or perforator, a fluid cutter or perforator (e.g. air perforator) or another type of suitable perforating cutter. While it preferably produces discrete perforations, such perforations can also be of continuous non-discrete appearance, like those produced, for example, using a laser or the like.

The flap is of windowed construction cut away about its inner periphery to define a 30 border or frame bounding a window aperture over which a transparent layer is attached or otherwise mounted providing the flap with a window. The window preferably is of see-through construction such that it is clear enough to permit a user to see at least part of the contents of the pocket through it. The window is staked to the pocket flap preferably via a heat seal or the like that causes the window to bond to flap from heat applied to the flap which overlies the window during bonding.

In one preferred embodiment, the window is made of a transparent thin plastic sheet material that preferably is staked or otherwise bonded to the outer panel or layer of the pocket sheet or page before the outer panel is assembled to any other panel of the pocket sheet or page. Suitable window sheet material includes clear or substantially clear material that preferably is of polymeric composition and which preferably is composed of plastic or the like.

In one preferred method of manufacture, the window aperture of each pocket flap is cut and the outer periphery of the flap is defined by correspondingly perforating the panel. The window sheet material is placed on the panel and heat sealed to the panel. In a preferred implementation of a method of manufacturing in accordance with the invention, the pocket flap window aperture cut and flap periphery perforations are carried out substantially simultaneously at the same time or about the same time. In another preferred implementation, the window sheet material is staked to the panel material at substantially the same time as cutting and/or perforating is performed. In one preferred implementation, waste panel material produced by cutting the flap window aperture is removed before staking the window sheet material to the flap. In another preferred implementation, the flap waste panel material is removed before the window sheet material is placed against the remaining panel material defining the flap and thereafter staked adjacent its outer periphery to the flap.

In one preferred embodiment, the pocket and sheet from which it is integrally formed are configured as a disk pocket for holding at least one flat storage media disk, such as a CD disk and/or DVD disk. Such a pocket and pocket-equipped sheet can also be configured to hold other types of flat articles including other types of media as well. For example, such a pocket construction can be configured to hold another type of flat storage media, such as a memory card, e.g. stick-style memory card, a secure digital memory card, etc.

Where configured as a disk pocket, the windowed pocket flap can be of reclosable construction, if desired. In any event, the pocket flap preferably substantially completely covers that part of a disk disposed in the mouth or entrance of the pocket. Such a pocket flap construction results in a flap that can completely cover the opening for the disk pocket. Further, the flap is formed with a central opening over which is positioned a transparent sheet such that any identifying material printed directly on the compact disk can be viewed through the flap without having to first remove the compact disk from the pocket. The flap preferably is configured as a closure that can be constructed to engage part of the sheet, if desired, including part of the pocket, so as to overlie an article received in the pocket.

The opposite side of the sheet includes a sleeve in which the identifying material for the compact disk located in the associated pocket can be inserted and retained. The sleeve includes an open end at one end of the sheet and is sealed at the opposite end such that once the material is inserted through the opening; it is retained securely within the sleeve. The size of the sleeve is larger than the size of the compact disk pocket such that identifying material for both audio CDs and DVDs can be easily inserted into and retained within the sleeve. Further, the sleeve is preferably formed from a transparent material secured to the back of the compact disk pocket in order to enable the identifying material to be viewed through the exterior of the sleeve without having to first remove the material from the sleeve.

Additionally, to enable the sheet to be easily secured within and removed from a suitable enclosure, the various panels forming the sheet are each formed with a tab extending from one side of the panel. When the panels and tabs are secured to one another, each of the tabs is engageable with a securing mechanism disposed within the enclosure in a conventional manner. Therefore, when the securing mechanism is disengaged, any number of sheets can be inserted within, or removed from the securing mechanism. When the mechanism is engaged, the tabs are securely engaged by the mechanism such that the sheets, while being movable within the enclosure in the manner of pages of a book, remain securely held within the enclosure.

In a preferred pocket construction, the pocket includes a flap with a see through window through which a portion of the contents of the pocket can be viewed. The pocket is formed of a sheet having an outer layer of material, such as preferably fabric or fibrous material, which is staked or sealed, preferably heat sealed, about its periphery to a backing layer of the sheet. The flap is integrally formed by perforating the outer material layer at or adjacent one end of the pocket substantially along at least three sides. As a result, when a user wishes to use the pocket, gentle manipulation of the flap tears it away along each perforated side to expose a pocket mouth through which the object to be retained by the pocket is inserted into the pocket.

In a preferred embodiment, the pocket flap has an aperture cutout over which lies a transparent window that preferably is of substantially clear construction. The window preferably is composed of a flexible, clear and see-through material enabling a user to easily view pocket contents despite the pocket flap being closed. The window is made of a thin and flexible material that is sized and configured so that its outer periphery overlaps the pocket flap about the inner periphery of the pocket flap window aperture. The window preferably is staked, sealed or otherwise bonded about its periphery adjacent its outer peripheral edge to the flap so that the window remains attached to the flap during pocket use and operation.

The construction of the sheets can also be modified to include more than one compact disk pocket and more than one material receiving sleeve on opposite sides of each sheet such that a larger number of disks and materials can be stored within a single enclosure.

Objects, advantages and features of the present invention include providing a sheet or page capable of being releasably secured and having one or more flat article holding pockets of windowed flap construction which are simple and easy to use; of economical construction; of robust, reliable and simple manufacture; is easy to make and use; and which is of versatile and user friendly construction.

Numerous other aspects, features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the below described accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an enclosure, preferably a ring binder, which utilizes one of more storage media pocket containing sheets constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of the enclosure of FIG. 1 illustrating sheets constructed in accordance with the present invention contained therein;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view a preferred flat media pocket containing sheet;

FIG. 4 is a front or media pocket side plan view of the sheet of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear or sleeve side plan view of the sheet of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front or pocket side perspective view of the sheet of FIG. 4 illustrating insertion or removal of a media article, e.g., preferably a compact disk, into a storage media pocket integrally formed of the sheet;

FIG. 7 is a rear or sleeve side perspective view of the sheet of FIG. 5 illustrating insertion of compact disk identifying material into a sleeve integrally formed of the sheet;

FIG. 8 is a front or pocket side plan view of a second preferred embodiment of a media pocket sheet constructed in accordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 9 is a rear or sleeve side plan view of the sheet of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-9, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, an article holder 20, such as preferably a binder 22, is well suited for use with one or more article holding pocket sheets 24 (FIGS. 2-9) of the present invention, each of which is particularly well suited for holding flat media 38 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2). Each pocket sheet 24 has at least one integrally formed pocket 26 with a tear away flap 28 of perforated construction that includes a cutout 30 formed in the flap 28 that accommodates an article viewing window 32 carried by the flap 28. In a preferred pocket sheet embodiment, each pocket sheet 24 is configured for releasable receipt by a binder, e.g., binder 22, and preferably is also be equipped with an integral viewing sleeve 34, e.g. a sleeve-type view pocket, that is well suited for receiving descriptive matter, e.g. printed matter 36 (shown in phantom in FIG. 2), related to an article 38 received in a pocket 26 of the same sheet 24.

In one preferred embodiment, each article holding pocket 26 is configured to receive and releasably retain storage media, namely disk-shaped storage media, such as preferably a compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD) or the like. Where the pocket sheet 24 includes a printed matter holding sleeve 34, the sleeve 34 preferably holds printed matter descriptive or otherwise associated with the article being retained in the pocket 26 of the same sheet 24.

In one preferred embodiment, the sleeve 34 is sized to specifically hold music CD and/or movie DVD inserts 40 that is packaged with and descriptive of the particular associated CD or DVD 42 with the pocket 26 being of see-through construction to permit a user quick and easy CD or DVD identification. When this see-through CD/DVD literature pocket 24 combined with the see-through pocket flap window 32, which permits the user to quickly and easily spot and select a CD and/or DVD 42 received in the associated pocket 26, a method of use is implemented in accordance with at least one aspect of the invention enabling fast, easy, accurate, and convenient use in selecting and retrieving a particular desired CD/DVD 42 from at least a plurality or plurality of pairs, e.g. at least three, of CDs/DVDs.

Referring once again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the binder 22 is preferably formed with a front cover 50, rear cover 52 and a spine 54. However, the pocket sheet 24 constructed in accordance with the present invention can be used with other types of article holding enclosures 20, such as file holders, file folders, portfolios, hard shell and soft sided cases and binders, rigid box-like enclosures, and open-type enclosures, among others. In the preferred binder 22 shown in FIG. 1, the front cover 50, rear cover 52, and spine 54 are formed of a generally rigid, durable panel material (not shown), e.g. cardboard, plastic sheeting, or another suitable structural panel material, which is also covered with exterior material such as vinyl, fabric, and/or some other suitable outer covering material 56. A strip 58 can be provided, such as for defining an outer pouch or pocket in one of the binder covers or for aesthetic or decorative purposes.

In the preferred binder embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a carrying handle 60 is anchored to part of the binder 22, preferably the spine 54, such as by rivets 62, stitching 64, an adhesive (not shown), or a combination thereof. Although not shown in the drawing figures, attachment loops or the like can also be included for enabling releasable attachment of one or more carrying straps, e.g., shoulder carrying straps, to the binder 22.

The binder 22 preferably includes a flexible skirt or sidewall 66 extending from the binder covers 50 and 52 substantially about their periphery. The sidewall 66 can be formed of the same or a similar material as the outer covering 56, and can also be formed integrally with or of the outer cover 56. The sidewall 66 is divisible by a releasable closure 68 that preferably is a zipper 70 that can be unzipped to permit opening of the binder 22 and that can be zipped to close and encase the contents of the binder 22. Such a binder 22 provided in a zippered case configuration advantageously protects and shields the binder contents, including each pocket sheet 24, from the outside environment. Such a case-style binder 22 also advantageously helps retain the binder contents when the zipper 70 is closed.

FIG. 2 illustrates the binder 22 in an opened condition. A page or sheet retention or securing mechanism 72 is carried by the binder 22 such as by being anchored to an interior of the spine 54. Anchoring preferably is accomplished using rivets, stitching, an adhesive or another type of fastening arrangement that is not shown in the drawings. Preferably, the page or sheet retention mechanism 72 is a reclosable ring-type page or sheet holder 74 that is equipped with a plurality of reclosable rings 76. The holder shown in FIG. 2 is of three ringed construction with each reclosable ring 76 having separable ring halves which can be opened, e.g. spread apart, such as to insert or remove one or more pocket sheets 24, and which can be closed, e.g., brought together, such as to retain each inserted pocket sheet 24. Any known page or sheet retention mechanism can be used with the subject invention.

While pocket sheet engagement can be accomplished via clamping, each of the rings 76 preferably is received in a corresponding hole 78 that is punched or otherwise cut in each pocket sheet 24 along a lengthwise extending side margin 80 of each sheet 24. When the rings 76 are closed, one or more of the retained pocket sheets 24 can be manipulated or otherwise moved within the binder 22, like a page of a book, such that individual pocket sheets 24 can be selectively accessed as desired by a user in a convenient manner.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of a pocket sheet 24 constructed in accordance with the present invention. The pocket sheet 24 includes a plurality of disk pockets 26 integrally formed thereof along side and a corresponding number of identifying material sleeves 34 integrally formed along the other side of the sheet 24. Each pocket 26 preferably is constructed and arranged to releasably retain a generally planar or flat media article 38, such as preferably a media disk constructed in accordance with that depicted in FIGS. 2 and 6.

While such media can be a disk, it can also take the form as a square or generally rectangular media article (not shown), such as a memory stick, a secure digital card, a flash memory Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive, or another generally flat or planar storage media article capable of holding data, information, documents, music, images, photos, or the like. Such a media article can be configured with onboard digital data memory storage, such as a flash-type read only memory, a type of random access memory, or another type of memory, including that which has not yet been commercialized or even invented. Such a media article preferably has a generally flat or planar front side and a generally flat or planar back side that is generally parallel to the front side with the data, information, documents, music, images, photos, or the like stored in a digital format between the sides. Such sides can form part of a housing the encloses memory storage, e.g., a memory chip or the like, disposed inside the housing. If desired, such digital data or digital information can be carried, embedded, integral, or otherwise retained by or part of one of both sides if desired.

As is further illustrated in FIG. 3, the disk pockets 26 are formed of a common outer pocket sheet panel 82 that is at least mechanically engaged to one side or surface 84 of a base or anchor panel 86. Each window 32 is disposed between outer panel 82 and the intermediate anchor panel 86 with each window 32 being sized so as to overlap but not oversize at least part of the pocket flap 28 of its associated pocket 26. The sleeves 34 are formed of a second common outer panel 88 that is at least mechanically engaged to the other side or surface 90 of the intermediate anchor panel 86. Each of the pocket panel 82, anchor panel 86, and viewing sleeve panel 88 are preferably formed, e.g., cut or punched, to have a generally rectangular shape, though any other suitable shape can also be used.

Each panel 82, 86, and 88 is composed of a flexible material that preferably also is resilient, durable, tough and tear resistant. In a preferred embodiment, the outer pocket panel 82 is composed of a fabric or sheet of material that is cut or punched about cut line 92 formed in the pocket flap 28 that defines window flap cutout or aperture 30. The flap 28 preferably is of tear away construction by being defined, at least along a plurality of sides, by a perforation line 94 of intermittent discrete perforations, i.e. spaced apart perforations, or of substantially continuous perforations dividing the flap 28 from an adjacent or adjoining portion of the pocket 26 surrounding or otherwise encompassing the flap 28. When the flap 28 is torn free from the surrounding pocket material, such as by pulling material of the flap 28 with sufficient force away from the rest of the material of the surrounding pocket 26 until the imperforate pocket material of the perforation line 94 rips, bursts, tears, or otherwise pulls free, it produces a pocket flap 28 defined by a frame or border 96 that extends along three sides of the flap 28.

In one preferred embodiment, one or both panels 82 and 86 are made of a fibrous and/or thread containing material with fibers arrangement in an inter-engaged and/or interlocking pattern that can be mated together such as by application of pressure, temperature, a bonding agent, or another means including some sort of combination of the aforementioned. Where woven, welt and warp of thread and/or fiber are controlled to provide the desired thickness, volume, creping, embossment, and the like so as to tailor the pocket 26 for the intended use. For example, where the pocket 26 is configured to receive and retain a CD and/or DVD, at least one and preferably both panels 82 and 86 used to construct the pocket 26 are selected to provide a relatively non-abrasive disk contact surface that also preferably is of self-wiping or self-cleaning construction. That is, inter-engagement of fibers, threads, etc., along with it being imparted with desired properties and physical characteristics produces voids or the like that wipe, trap and retain debris on an outer surface of the CD and/or DVD. By doing so, disk insertion and/or removal is accomplished with a minimum of abrasive action between the pocket 26 and the CD and/or DVD. Thus, scratches are minimized, if not substantially completely prevented.

It is an advantage of a method of manufacture implemented in accordance with the invention that pocket sheets constructed in accordance with the pocket sheet 24 shown in FIGS. 2-5 have panels 82 and 86 that can be made of such a wide variety of materials, it is not only economically mass producible in large volumes or quantities because of the speed, reduced manufacturing steps and labor efficiency but flexibility of material choice enables cost to be further reduced by reducing material costs. This is so while still being able to produce a pocket sheet 24 that is strong, robust and long-lasting. In a preferred embodiment, one and preferably both panels 82 and 86 are of economical fibrous web construction, which can be partially or wholly composed of semi-crystalline, amorphous, and/or elastomeric plastic fibrous matter, e.g. includes fibers. In one preferred embodiment, the panels 82 and 86 that engage each other to form or otherwise define one or more pockets 26 are made of the same material.

For example, woven and non-woven fibrous material can be used with the manufacturing method of the present invention well suited for each type of material in an advantageously cost-insensitive manner. In this regard, not only can relatively inexpensive woven and non-woven polymeric fibrous material be used, but more expensive material such as TYVEK or the like can also be used. Sheet material or fabric of cellulose composition, e.g. cellulose fiber, animal fiber composition, e.g. wool fiber, and/or other polymeric composition can be used. For example, material such as TYVEK or another non-woven material of polyethylene and/or polyethylene fiber composition can be used.

In one preferred embodiment, a non-woven fibrous material that preferably includes polyethylene fiber is used for both panels 82 and 86. In another preferred embodiment, cellulose, organic, pulp fiber, and/or cotton/vegetable fiber containing material is or are used for both panels 82 and 86. As a result, not only is the method of manufacture of the invention fast, economical, labor efficient and versatile in that it is adaptable for use with a wide variety of pocket sheet panel materials, the resultant pocket sheet 24 of the invention produced thereby is also of economical yet durable construction costing significantly less in material and manufacture than conventional pocket sheets.

To enable easy viewing of printed matter received in either sleeve, the sleeve panel 88 preferably is of transparent, e.g., see-through, construction. For example, in one preferred sleeve panel constriction, the sleeve panel 88 is made of a transparent plastic, such as a clear vinyl, a clear polypropylene, a clear polyvinyl chloride, a clear polyethylene, or another clear polymeric or other synthetic material.

The outer pocket panel 82 is formed of a material similar to the intermediate anchor panel 86, preferably with a virtually identical shape and opacity as well, and includes a pair of flaps 28 formed therein. As previously discussed, each flap 28 is formed with a body 96 defined along three sides by perforation line 94 and remaining attached to the pocket panel 82 forming a hinge region 98 therewith facilitating lifting of the flap 28 to expose the pocket mouth 100, such as when it is desired to insert or remove something, and flap return such that it overlies the mouth 100, such as when it is desired to cover something received in the pocket 26.

With continued reference to FIG. 3 and additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the flap body 96 includes a central opening 30 formed therein over which is positioned a transparent cover sheet 102 that is constructed to be attached to the flap 28 and provide a pocket contents viewing window 32. The cover sheet 102 is positioned over the flap opening 30 adjacent the base panel 66 and completely covers the opening 30 in a manner that makes it part of the flap 28 while also enabling a user to view that portion of a disk 42 positioned in the pocket 26 at least partially beneath the flap 28 without having to first move the flap 28. The cover sheet 102 also is made of a transparent material similar to or the same as the material from which the sleeve panel 88 is made. In one preferred embodiment, they are made of the same material thereby advantageously even further reducing pocket sheet material costs.

One preferred embodiment of a flap body 96 constructed in accordance with the invention, which is also depicted in FIG. 2, has a narrower section 104 adjacent the flap hinge region 98 that tapers outwardly to a widened section 106 adjacent a curved bottom flap border 108. For example, where configured to hold CD and/or DVD disks 42, the flap bottom end 106 has a length wider than the diameter of the disk 42 while the flap top end 104 adjacent the hinge region 98 is smaller in length, i.e., narrower, than the diameter of a disk 42 received in the pocket 26 advantageously enabling an inserted disk 42 to remain positively yet releasably seated in the pocket 26.

By integrally forming the flap 28 of the pocket panel 82 and being of tear away construction, engagement between the outer flap edge and inner pocket panel edge where torn (which should at least roughly correspond to the flap perforation line 94 shown in FIG. 3) advantageously helps keep the flap 28 closed or at least positioned so as to overlie the pocket mouth 100 as well as any article, e.g., disk 42, received in the pocket 26. Further, while the flap 28 is preferably freely movable, the flap 28 can also be configured or otherwise constructed to be held in a closed position over the pocket mouth by a suitable closure (not shown) that releasably engages some part of the pocket panel 82, including the panel 82 itself, when closed.

The sleeve panel 88 is also formed similarly in shape to the underlying anchor panel 86 with the exception that the sleeve panel 88 is preferably shorter in width, i.e., narrower, such as is depicted in FIG. 5, than the anchor panel 86. The sleeve panel 88 preferably is also provided with an arcuate article access notch or cutout 10 disposed along the side edge of the panel 88 opposite that which is hole-punched. As previously discussed, the particular material forming the sleeve panel 88 preferably is transparent to enable an individual to easily view that which is received in each one of its sleeves 34.

FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a pocket sheet 24 constructed in accordance with the invention. The anchor panel 86 is sandwiched between the outer pocket panel 82 and the outer sleeve panel 88. The pocket sheet 24 has at least one article-holding pocket 26 (FIG. 4) formed by selective engagement between the outer pocket panel 82 and the anchor panel 86 and has at least one article-holding sleeve 34 (FIG. 5) formed by selective engagement between the outer sleeve panel 88 and the anchor panel 86. As previously noted, the pocket sheet 24 preferably has the same number of sleeves 34 as the number of pockets 26. This produces a pocket sheet 24 of novel construction that is particularly well suited for storing at least one CD or DVDs in at least one pocket 26 on one pocket sheet side along with storing in a sleeve 34 on the other pocket sheet side its corresponding identifying or descriptive literature that came with that same CD or DVD when it was purchased.

FIG. 6 illustrates a multiple-pocket pocket sheet 24 during use and operation having a CD or DVD 42 in one pocket 26, namely the bottom pocket 26, and another CD or DVD 42 that is being removed from or inserted into another pocket 26 of the pocket sheet 24. When the circular media disk 42 is received in a pocket 26 and its pocket flap 28 closed, the pocket window 32 of the flap 28 provides a view of part of the circular media disk 42. For example, as is shown in FIG. 6, part of the printed indicia side 44 of the circular media disk 42 shows through the pocket window 32 so as to permit viewing of its title 46 or the like.

Each pocket 26 preferably is generally rectangular with a top edge 112, a bottom edge 114 and a pair of side edges 116 and 118. Where each pocket is designed to hold a circular media disk, preferably CD or DVD 42, each pocket 26 preferably is substantially square with part of the outer pocket panel 82 forming an outer pocket wall and part of the anchor panel 86 forming an inner pocket wall with the panels 82 and 86 overlapping one another so as to be generally parallel. With the exception of each pocket window 32, at least the outer panel 82 and preferably both panels 82 and 86 are of opaque construction. As is also shown in FIG. 6, the window cover sheet 102 is attached to the outer pocket panel 82 via adjoint 48 disposed about the margin or border 96 of the flap 28 attaching the window cover sheet 102 to the flap 28. Attachment joint 48 preferably mechanically attaches the window cover sheet 102 to the pocket flap 28. If desired, heat can be utilized in doing so to provide such a bond between the sheet 102 and flap 28 that further helps attach the sheet 102 to the flap 28.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment joint 48 is or otherwise includes a bonding interface or seam where a means of engagement attaches the cover or window sheet 102 to the outer panel 82 in a manner preferably in accordance with a method of attachment described below herein. In accordance with one or more of the preferred methods for effecting attachment described below, one preferred means of attachment resultant therefrom is an integral means of attachment whereby material of one of the sheet 102 and flap 28 mechanically engages with material of the other one of the sheet 102 and flap 28.

FIG. 7 depicts a pair of printed matter holding sleeves 34 disposed on the opposite side of the pocket sheet 24 also in use and operation. The outer sleeve panel 88 is attached to the anchor panel 86 preferably substantially about its periphery and intermediate thereof in a manner that defines an upper sleeve 34 and a lower sleeve 34. The upper sleeve 34 is configured to hold printed matter 36 relating to the article being held by the upper pocket 26 on the other side of the pocket sheet 24. The lower sleeve 34 is located below the upper sleeve 34 and is also configured to hold printed matter 36 relating to the article being held by the lower pocket 26 on the other side of the pocket sheet 24. Each sleeve 34 is generally rectangular defined by the outer sleeve panel 88 being selectively attached to the anchor panel 86 in a manner that defines a top side edge 130 of each sleeve 34, an inner side edge 132 of each sleeve 34, and a bottom side edge 134 of each sleeve 34 with its mouth or opening 136 being located along an outer side edge 138 which is a region where the outer sleeve panel 88 and anchor panel 86 remain unattached.

At least a portion of each sleeve 34 is sufficiently transparent to permit viewing of at least part of any printed matter 36 received in it. In a preferred embodiment, the entirety of each sleeve 34 is of see-through construction thereby permitting viewing of any observable visually perceptible indicia on the printed matter 36 received therein.

In the preferred pocket sheet embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each of the pockets 26 on one side of the pocket sheet 24 are designed to hold the same type of article, preferably a circular media containing disk 42, and each of the sleeves 34 on the other side of the pocket sheet 24 are designed to hold the same type of printed matter 36, preferably the printed insert 40 packaged with the storage media 42 stored in the corresponding pocket 26 on the other side of the pocket sheet 24. Each printed insert 40 contains visually perceptible indicia that include text. For example, where the media 42 is a media disk, such as a CD or DVD, the visually perceptible indicia preferably includes a name, title or descriptive identifier 138 of or relating to the media 42 stored in a pocket 26 on the opposite side. In one preferred embodiment, the insert 40 is a multi-page booklet that accompanies a purchased CD or DVD. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each pocket 26 of the pocket sheet 24 is configured to hold a CD or DVD 42 and each sleeve 34 is configured to hold the insert or booklet 36 that came with the CD or DVD 42.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a pocket sheet 24′ constructed in accordance with the invention and made in accordance with a method of manufacture in accordance with the invention. The pocket sheet 24′ is substantially similar in construction and manufacture but has only a single pocket 26 and a single sleeve 34′ overlying or underlying the pocket 26.

Referring once again to FIG. 4, the, outer pocket panel 82 is selectively attached to the anchor panel 86 in a manner that defines a plurality of pockets 26. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 4-7, the pocket sheet 24 has one pocket 26 located above the other pocket 26 with the pockets 26 preferably being substantially identical in construction to one another. At least part of each pocket 26 is formed by a boundary joint 120 that extends adjacent and preferably about the outer periphery of at least one of the panels 82 and 86 and preferably both of the panels 82 and 86 in the manner depicted in FIG. 4. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, at least one side pocket edge and a bottom or top pocket edge is formed by part of the boundary joint 120. In the preferred embodiment of the pocket 26′ of the pocket sheet 24 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the boundary joint 120′ defines all four outer edges of the pocket 26′.

The boundary joint 120 has an upper leg extending at least adjacent to and preferably about the upper edge of the pocket sheet 24, a lower leg extending at least adjacent to and preferably about the lower edge of the pocket sheet 24, an outer leg extending at least adjacent to and preferably about the outside edge of the pocket sheet 24, and an inner leg extending adjacent an inner edge of the pocket sheet 24. While the inner leg can extend about the inner pocket sheet edge, it preferably lies inboard the inner edge, such as in the manner depicted in FIG. 4.

A margin joint 122 is disposed at least adjacent to and preferably about the inner pocket sheet edge. Such a margin joint 122 preferably is generally parallel to the inner leg of the boundary joint 120 and spaced therefrom, providing reinforcement in and along the holed margin region 80 of the pocket sheet 24.

In forming the pockets 26, a boundary joint 120 extends substantially about the periphery of at least one of the panels 82 and 88 thereby attaching one of the panels 82 or 88 to the base or anchor panel 86. Each outer panel also has at least one margin reinforcing bonding seam 122 disposed along an inner edge of the pocket sheet 24 such that the ring holes 78 are bounded by this seam 122 and the inner leg or branch of the boundary bonding seam 120.

Where the pocket sheet has a construction the same as or otherwise in accordance with the pocket sheet 24′ shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, having only with a single pocket 26 on one side and only a single view pocket-sleeve on the other side, only these bonding seams 120 and 122 are needed. In the preferred single pocket and single view sleeve pocket sheet 24′ depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer pocket panel 82 can be attached to the base panel 86 by an interior bonding seam 124 that extends between parallel legs or branches 126 and 128 of the boundary seam 120. Preferably, the interior bonding seam 124 extends from boundary bonding seam branch 126 to boundary bonding seam branch 128 such that they adjoin or merge therewith.

Each outer panel 82 and 88 also has at least one interior bonding seam with the pocket forming outer panel 82 having a plurality of bonding seams and the view sleeve forming outer panel 88 having only a single interior bonding seam. In the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the boundary bonding seam 120 bonds both exterior sheet panels 82 and 88 to the base panel 86 that is disposed between them.

A plurality of bonding seams of like construction are interiorly disposed with at least one of the bonding seams defining at least one common edge between adjacent pockets 26. For example, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, there is a longitudinally extending bonding seam that defines one side edge of each pocket 26 and a horizontally extending bonding seam that defines a common boundary or common edge between a pair of adjacent pockets 26. At least one seam helps define, along with the boundary seam, the ring-hole punch accommodating margin of the pocket sheet 24.

Referring more particularly to FIG. 5, in forming the sleeves 34, the outer sleeve panel is bonded to the base panel by a boundary bonding seam that preferably is the same as the boundary seam shown in FIGS. 4 and 9. A generally horizontally extending bonding seam 112, preferably the same as seam shown in FIG. 4, serves as a divider between adjacent sleeves with one of the sleeves located above the other sleeve with each sleeve preferably also being identical in construction.

In a preferred method of manufacture, a forming operation is carried out on the outer pocket panel 82 to cut, punch, or otherwise remove an oblong swatch of panel material to define each flap window cutout. A perforating operation is carried out, such as using a punch, die, or another type of perforator to form each pocket flap perforation line. Flap window cutout and flap perforating preferably are carried out at substantially the same time for each pocket of a particular pocket sheet being made. The ring holes 78 are preferably also formed at the same time. At substantially the same time or after cutting and perforation, a window cover sheet 102 is placed over each flap cutout with part of it overlapping part of the corresponding flap border before or just as it is bonded by a bonding seam to the flap.

At substantially the same time or thereafter, the outer pocket panel 82 is bonded to the base panel via at least one bonding seam preferably before the outer pocket panel 82, base panel 86 and outer sleeve panel 88 are bonded together with at least one bonding seam and preferably with at least a plurality of seams. When finished applying bonding seams, a pocket sheet having the construction the same as or in accordance with that depicted in FIGS. 4 and 5 is produced.

In a preferred implementation of a manufacturing method in accordance with the invention, each panel of each sheet is formed from a roll or web of material that is advanced at an average speed of at least a plurality of pair of inches per second toward and through equipment that performs the corresponding forming, e.g. cutting, perforating, and/or bonding, operation. At least a plurality of the bonding seams and preferably all or substantially all of the bonding seams bonds via direct mechanical bonding, preferably by interdigitation, e.g., interdigital engagement, where a bonding die or the like applies sufficient force and/or causes sufficient panel displacement of at least one pocket sheet panel such that mechanical interlocking of bonded panels occurs. Preferably, mechanical bonding performed in accordance with a preferred implementation of a method of making a pocket sheet of the invention that causes fibers and/or fibrous matter of one panel to interlock with or otherwise mechanically engage fibers and/or fibrous matter of another panel to which the one panel is being attached.

In one preferred method of manufacture of the invention, at least a plurality of the bonding seams and preferably all of the bonding seams are formed using a bonding die (not shown) that contacts one or both panels to urge them at least into mechanical engagement with one another along each seam. In one preferred implementation of a method of manufacture, the bonding die is carried out using a needle-punch process, preferably a needle-punch process that employs a needle loom. In one preferred embodiment, the needle loom has a plurality of pairs of spaced apart pins carried by a board mounted to a beam that is driven by a drive toward or away from the panels 82 and 86, sequenced in a manner that ensures the panels 82 and 86 overlie one another and at least roughly located relative to each other and the needles. In one preferred embodiment, at least two rows of such pins are employed in forming at least one of the seams and preferably is implemented for all of the seams. The pins of one row preferably are staggered relative to the pins of an adjacent row to help facilitate mechanical bonding. Rolls preferably are used to feed each pair of panels 82 and 86 between the needles of the needle loom and an adjacent bed before the needles are driven toward the panels 82 and 86.

In a preferred method, the panels 82 and 86 are each formed of separate webs of material brought together by one or more feed rolls and between the needles and bed. The same is true for panel 88 except that it is brought together, e.g. adjacent, with base panel 86 at a point in the manufacturing process after outer pocket panel 82 and base panel 84 are brought together. The needles are driven toward the overlapping panel webs, bonding them together and forming at least the boundary of both panels 82 and 84.

In one preferred method of implementation, bonding seams are all formed substantially simultaneously at the same time. This preferably is done after the pocket flap cutouts and perforations are preformed. The same preferably is also true of bonding the window cover sheet to each flap as it too preferably is carried out before the immediately preceding bonding operations are carried out.

If desired, energy can be inputted to facilitate bonding. For example, in one preferred embodiment, each bonding seam formed that bonds transparent sheet material to another pocket sheet panel preferably is assisted by way of application of energy, preferably thermal energy, in and along each such seam. For example, each pocket flap window cover sheet and the outer sleeve panel can be bonded to its associated pocket sheet panel using application of thermal energy to assist bonding and bonding seam formation. For example, the needle pins and/or needle board can be heated, ultrasonically driven, microwave excited or excited by some other form of energy and/or energy input such that corresponding energy, preferably including thermal energy, is delivered each seam where desired in the appropriate amounts and where needed.

In another preferred method of manufacture and pocket sheet arrangement, to form each pocket sheet 24, initially the front panel 82, base panel 86, and rear panel 88 are formed as desired, and joined subsequently by connecting the panels 82 and 86 and panels 88 and 86 to one another by staking, tacking, heat sealing, fluid entanglement, e.g., hydro-entanglement, or even by using an adhesive. However, needle punching is preferred.

Where each of the pocket sheet panels 82, 86 and 88 are formed of a thermoplastic material, the panels 82, 86 and 88 are preferably secured to one another by heating and pressing the panels 82, 86 and 88 into contact with one another, e.g., heat sealing the panels in the desired manner and arrangement to one another. In this process, the front panel 82 is secured to a corresponding front surface 84 of the base panel 86 by the formation of a front peripheral seal or seam formed around the periphery of the base panel 86 and the front panel 82. The disk pockets 26 formed between the base panel 86 and the front panel 82 are further defined by a pair of pocket defining seams extending across the base panel 86 and the front panel 82 generally perpendicular to one another. The pocket defining seams effectively form the disk pockets 26 into a shape corresponding generally to the diameter of the disk 42 to be inserted into the pocket 26 to enable sufficient width for the disk 42 to be inserted and removed. Preferably, it is constructed to provide a snug fit for the disk 42 within the pocket 26 in which it is received. Further, the front peripheral seam and each of the pocket defining seams that define at least part of the periphery of a pocket 26 can be formed between the panels 82 and 86 separately or simultaneously with one another.

To reinforce and provide adequate strength to the hole-punched margin 80 along each side of each pocket sheet 24, corresponding seams are provided bounding the margin 80 that join each of the outer panels 82 and 88 to the base panel 86. As with the peripheral or periphery defining seam and pocket defining seams, each margin seam can be formed simultaneously with or separately from these other aforementioned seams that help form the pocket sheet 24. The margin seam helps define a sheet margin along the inner sheet edge that preferably is hole punched or otherwise configured with means for being releasably retained in an article holder, such as a case, binder or the like. Also, while the margin seam is shown extending only around the outer periphery of the binder ring holes 78, the margin seam can be formed to include encompass or surround one or all of the binder-ring holes 78 of each socket sheet 24 to provide reinforcement.

The rear panel 88 is secured to the backside 90 of the base panel 86 by a rear peripheral seam formed similarly or same as the front peripheral seam and extending around the periphery of the rear panel 88 except for along the side of the rear panel 88 that includes sleeve openings and sleeve article access notches 110. The securing of the rear panel 88 to the base panel 86 preferably also can include forming a sleeve defining seam between the panels 86 and 88 that corresponds to the pocket defining seam on the front panel 82 to define sleeve 34, and a margin seam disposed around the margin 80 of the rear panel 88. Again, the rear peripheral seam and margin seam can be formed simultaneously with or separately from one another or also in conjunction the other seams the define the sheet, pockets and the like, preferably in a common step.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another preferred embodiment of a pocket sheet 24′ constructed and manufactured in accordance with the invention. The pocket sheet 24′ is similar to pocket sheet 24 except it has a single article receiving pocket configured with a windowed flap that preferably is constructed and arranged to receive, protect, organize and releasably retain a disk, preferably a CD or DVD. Similarly, the opposite side of the pocket sheet 24′ has only a single insert holding sleeve integrally formed of the sheet 24′.

Further, while the illustrated embodiments depict an integrally formed pocket sheet 24 constructed in accordance with the invention having a plurality of integrally formed disk pocket 26 on one side and a plurality of disk printed insert receiving sleeves 34 disposed on the opposite side. It is also contemplated within the scope of the present invention to place one pocket 60 and one sleeve 64 on the same side of a sheet 54 or to arrange the disk pockets and sleeves side by side. Also, material used to form the base panel 86 can be selected so as to be substantially rigid where it is desired to impart more rigidity or provide more support to the resultant pocket sheet 24.

Various alternatives are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter regarded as the invention. 

1. A pocketed sheet in combination with disk media and associated printed matter, the pocketed sheet comprising: a) a base panel; b) a pocket panel secured to one side of the base panel integrally forming with the base panel at least one pocket in which disk media is removably received, the pocket comprised of a flap overlying an opening of the pocket and including a transparent window through which a portion of the disk media is viewable; and c) a sleeve panel secured to the other side of the base panel and integrally forming with the base panel at least one sleeve in which is removably received printed matter associated with the pocket-received disk media disposed a portion of which is transparent through which at least a portion of the printed matter is viewable.
 2. The pocketed sheet of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of binder ring receiving holes formed in at least one of the base panel, the pocket panel and the sleeve panel.
 3. The pocketed sheet of claim 2 wherein the plurality of binder ring receiving holes are disposed in a reinforced margin defined by at least one seam bonding one of the panels to at least one other of the panels and each one of the holes comprises a through-bore each of which is capable of receiving a reclosable ring of a binder equipped with a reclosable ring mechanism.
 4. The pocketed sheet of claim 1 wherein the pocket flap includes: a) a flap body portion comprised of the pocket panel and having a window aperture formed therethrough; and b) a transparent window secured to the flap body portion and overlying the window aperture.
 5. The pocketed sheet of claim 4 wherein the pocket flap body portion includes an upper end adjacent a region of attachment to the pocket panel that is narrower than a lower end adjacent the pocket opening wherein this differential in flap width facilitates insertion of the disk storage media into the pocket as well as removal of the disk storage media from the pocket.
 6. The pocketed sheet of claim 4 wherein the flap body portion is integrally formed of a portion of the pocket panel, the pocket panel overlies the base panel on one side of the base panel and the sleeve panel overlies the base panel on an opposite side of the base panel.
 7. The pocketed sheet of claim 1 further comprising a peripheral bond seam that extends substantially about the entire periphery of the pocketed sheet and which secures the pocket panel to the base panel.
 8. The pocketed sheet of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the pocket is formed by the peripheral bond seam and further comprising a second bond seam extending therebetween that also forms a portion of the pocket.
 9. The pocketed sheet of claim 8 wherein each bond seal secures by mechanical bonding.
 10. The pocketed sheet of claim 9 wherein each bond seal secures by mechanical bonding by enmeshing material of the pocket panel with material of the base panel causing interdigitation therebetween.
 11. The pocketed sheet of claim 10 wherein the pocket panel and the base panel are both comprised of material of fibrous composition.
 12. The pocketed sheet of claim 1 further comprising a peripheral bond seam that extends substantially about the entire periphery of the pocketed sheet and which secures the sleeve panel to the base panel.
 13. The pocketed sheet of claim 12 wherein at least a portion of the sleeve is formed by the peripheral bond seam and further comprising a second bond seam extending therebetween that also forms a portion of the sleeve.
 14. The pocketed sheet of claim 13 wherein each bond seal secures the sleeve panel and base panel by mechanical bonding.
 15. The pocketed sheet of claim 14 wherein each bond seal secures by mechanical bonding by enmeshing material of the sleeve panel with material of the base panel.
 16. The pocketed sheet of claim 15 wherein the sleeve panel is comprised of a thin transparent plastic sheet and the base panel is comprised of material of fibrous composition.
 17. The pocketed sheet of claim 13 wherein the sleeve is formed by the second peripheral seal and the sleeve further comprises an open end defined between the base panel and the sleeve panel.
 18. The pocketed sheet of claim 17 wherein the sleeve panel is formed of a substantially transparent material.
 19. The pocketed sheet of claim 1 further comprising: a) a pair of the pocket flaps each integrally formed of the pocket panel; b) a pair of pockets each integrally formed of the pocket panel with one of the pocket flaps overlying the opening of one of the pockets and the other one of the pocket flaps overlying the opening of the other one of the pockets; and c) a pair of sleeves integrally formed of the sleeve panel.
 20. The sheet of claim 19 wherein the pair of sleeves and the pair of the pockets each both separated by a common bond seam that secures the pocket panel to the base panel and that secures the sleeve panel to the base panel.
 21. A method of forming a pocketed sheet for holding a compact disk and identifying material for the disk, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a base panel, a front panel including at least one pocket flap attached to the front panel, the at least one pocket flap including a body portion attached to the front panel and defining an opening with a generally transparent cover secured over the opening, and a rear panel; b) securing one of the front panel or the rear panel to the base panel to define at least one first pocket therebetween; and c) securing the other of the rear panel or the front panel to the base panel opposite the front panel to form at least one second pocket therebetween.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of providing the base panel, the front panel and the rear panel further comprises the step of forming the front panel with the body portion of the at least one pocket flap and the cover on the body portion.
 23. The method of claim 22 wherein the step of securing the front panel to the base panel comprises: a) forming a front peripheral seal between the front panel and the base panel; and b) forming at least one pocket seal between the front panel and the base panel.
 24. The method of claim 23 wherein the steps of forming the front peripheral seal and forming the at least one first pocket seal are performed simultaneously.
 25. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of securing the rear panel to the base panel comprises forming a rear peripheral seal between the rear panel and the base panel.
 26. The method of claim 21 wherein the steps of securing the front panel to the base panel and securing the rear panel to the base panel are performed simultaneously.
 27. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of securing one of the front panel or the rear panel to the base panel comprises securing a tab section on the front panel or the rear panel to a tab section on the base panel.
 28. The method of claim 21 wherein the step of securing one of the front panel or the rear panel to the base panel comprises heat sealing the front panel or the rear panel to the base panel.
 29. A pocketed sheet for a binder having a plurality of reclosable rings, the pocketed sheet comprising: a) a pocket integrally formed of a first outer panel of fibrous construction, the pocket comprised of a tear-away cover formed by a line of perforations in the outer panel and a plurality of pocket sides formed by at least one mechanical bond seam joining the first outer panel to a base panel of fibrous construction such that fiber from one of the panels interlocks with fiber from the other one of the panels; and b) a sleeve integrally formed of a second outer panel, the sleeve having an opening and a plurality of sides defined by at least one mechanical bond seam joining the second outer panel to the base panel such that material from one of the second outer panel and the base panel adheres to material from the other one of the second outer panel and the base panel.
 30. The pocketed sheet of claim 29 wherein the tear-away cover has a window cutout over which a see-through viewing window is disposed and carried by the cover, the first outer panel is comprised of opaque polymeric fiber containing flexible sheet material, and the second outer panel is comprised of transparent flexible sheet material. 